# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=801 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 802 --- ## [Is it possible to genetically modify organisms in a way that’s impossible with selective breeding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-genetically-modify-organisms-in-a-way-that-s-impossible-with-selective-breeding/984478)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-genetically-modify-organisms-in-a-way-that-s-impossible-with-selective-breeding/984478 "2023-06-20T17:16:48Z")
I ask because it struck me that when people discuss GMOs, many envision a cackling scientist in a white coat blasting poor animals and people with radiation rays and chemicals to alter them in ways that would be impossib… --- ## [Watchin' the fudge and candymakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watchin-the-fudge-and-candymakers/985803)
**Author:** [@Blindmellowjelly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blindmellowjelly)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watchin-the-fudge-and-candymakers/985803 "2023-06-20T15:23:41Z")
That crew (4) of call and respond fudge makers, on that marble stone working with special copper spades, out of the copper kettle… such a really special fudge makers show. SInging and dancing, interactive. --- ## [SETI research: what can we now rule out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seti-research-what-can-we-now-rule-out/985754)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seti-research-what-can-we-now-rule-out/985754 "2023-06-20T13:40:49Z")
The Fermi Paradox dates from 1950. The SETI Institute was established in 1985. We haven’t yet discovered any aliens. Are there scenarios that we can rule out, if only probabilistically? One is tempted to say, “Star Trek… --- ## [Question about reflecting light](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-reflecting-light/985742)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-reflecting-light/985742 "2023-06-20T12:51:12Z")
Suppose a fine powder were used as a reflective agent that could be released into the atmosphere. Each particle is about 25 microns in size. Would it reflect the same amount of light if all those particles were joined to… --- ## [How important is deep tire tread on dry pavement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-deep-tire-tread-on-dry-pavement/985661)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-deep-tire-tread-on-dry-pavement/985661 "2023-06-20T12:18:23Z")
I understand that when the road is wet, deeper tire tread will move more water out of the way and keep you from hydroplaning. On dry pavement, does deeper tread help with traction? IE, would the same tread pattern with … --- ## [Is the Rocky statue in Creed the only example of a "real pretend" statue in film?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rocky-statue-in-creed-the-only-example-of-a-real-pretend-statue-in-film/985758)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rocky-statue-in-creed-the-only-example-of-a-real-pretend-statue-in-film/985758 "2023-06-20T12:12:13Z")
Watching Creed (it’s on Amazon Prime) there is a scene where the (fictional) Adonis Creed visits the (real) statue of (fictional) Rocky Balboa (who is of course real in the film’s universe). The statue is real (it’s out… --- ## [The new New York Times Kindle app makes me unhappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-new-york-times-kindle-app-makes-me-unhappy/985777)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-new-york-times-kindle-app-makes-me-unhappy/985777 "2023-06-20T11:10:51Z")
I think I have everything working as it should. I do not think I need technical help. I am just angry. I am using an Amazon Fire. Until recently, each day it would download my New York Times which I could read in my bus… --- ## [How does a construction worker know what he/she is to work on today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-construction-worker-know-what-he-she-is-to-work-on-today/985631)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-construction-worker-know-what-he-she-is-to-work-on-today/985631 "2023-06-20T10:21:08Z")
I was driving through this massive construction site in southwest Austin yesterday when the question occurred to me. I am always amazed that a huge project such as this one appears like total chaos during construction y… --- ## [Liz Truss tries to lead the UK {and resigns as of 2022-10-20}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liz-truss-tries-to-lead-the-uk-and-resigns-as-of-2022-10-20/970992)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 671\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liz-truss-tries-to-lead-the-uk-and-resigns-as-of-2022-10-20/970992 "2023-06-20T10:26:29Z")
Liz Truss, as expected, has won the Tory leadership contest fairly easily against Rishi Sunak, whose defection from the Boris Johnson team contributed to his ignominious downfall. According to the NY Times, she faces: D… --- ## [Kansas lawmakers receive letters containing white powder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kansas-lawmakers-receive-letters-containing-white-powder/985711)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kansas-lawmakers-receive-letters-containing-white-powder/985711 "2023-06-20T04:27:22Z")
Don’t know if this belongs in this category. Mods, feel free to move it to a more appropriate location. More than 90 Kansas legislators and other officials have reported receiving envelopes which contained white powder… --- ## [At the end of my rope: PANTRY MOTHS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-the-end-of-my-rope-pantry-moths/962598)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-the-end-of-my-rope-pantry-moths/962598 "2023-06-20T03:53:22Z")
I’ve had pantry moths before, and I defeated them for some years through cleaning and improved storage: nothing grain-like in any unsealed container. The sealed containers have included ziplocs, Mason jars with canning-t… --- ## [Do they always say the brand name at the end of Japanese commercials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-always-say-the-brand-name-at-the-end-of-japanese-commercials/985773)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-always-say-the-brand-name-at-the-end-of-japanese-commercials/985773 "2023-06-20T03:26:26Z")
Is it typical in Japanese commercials to say (or sing) the brand name at the end, such as “Playstation” or “Hisamitu”? --- ## [Buried pirate treasure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buried-pirate-treasure/985750)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buried-pirate-treasure/985750 "2023-06-20T02:58:19Z")
I just watched John Gates Expedition Unknown, about pirate treasure. Capt Henry Avery IIRC. But my thought was- why would a pirate bury his loot someplace hard to get to anyway? Pirates spent their loot on run, high li… --- ## [How easy is it to use a serial number to interpolate a fabrication date?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-use-a-serial-number-to-interpolate-a-fabrication-date/985757)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-use-a-serial-number-to-interpolate-a-fabrication-date/985757 "2023-06-20T02:24:24Z")
Not sure if this is better suited for Cafe Society, since the product is audio equipment. The equipment is a pair of JBL L-100 speakers that kaylasmom owned when I met her 46 years ago. I’m not precisely sure when she bo… --- ## [Can someone explain how Disney has outmanuevered DeSantis via Charles III's descendants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-how-disney-has-outmanuevered-desantis-via-charles-iiis-descendants/981880)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2023, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-how-disney-has-outmanuevered-desantis-via-charles-iiis-descendants/981880 "2023-06-20T02:22:49Z")
News article about Iger, Disney CEO, pulling a fast one by relying on a law that somehow depends on Charles III’s last descendent dying, but I can’t figure it out and the sites I go are too buggy for me to decipher any o… --- ## [What was the most that was achieved by a political song or piece of music?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-most-that-was-achieved-by-a-political-song-or-piece-of-music/985060)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-most-that-was-achieved-by-a-political-song-or-piece-of-music/985060 "2023-06-19T23:28:44Z")
So modern (i.e. post WW2) popular music is replete with political statements and stances (as is older music of course). That runs the gamut from rich megastars pontificating on the cause de jour from the safety of their… --- ## [Jim Morrison Singing "The Pina Colada" Song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-morrison-singing-the-pina-colada-song/985715)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-morrison-singing-the-pina-colada-song/985715 "2023-06-19T23:26:59Z")
It’s AI, and it’s brand new (his character was just created) and so I expect a lot of uploads. Hopefully Jim Morrison singing some Pink Floyd, instead of the shit most upload. I listen anyway, and the songs still suck, e… --- ## [Trump's indictment--does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-indictment-does-it-matter/985251)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 489\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-indictment-does-it-matter/985251 "2023-06-19T23:22:12Z")
I know, this time it’s supposed to be different. This isn’t one woman’s word against Trump’s. This isn’t a boring question about real estate valuations where blame is pinned on an underling This is “The. Big. One”. T… --- ## [How many jobs did you do as a professional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-jobs-did-you-do-as-a-professional/985705)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-jobs-did-you-do-as-a-professional/985705 "2023-06-19T22:56:17Z")
There was this guy on a messageboard who used to annoy me by doing one thing (well, he did dozens of things that annoyed me, but this one in particular): whatever topic was under discussion, he used to say “I did that fo… --- ## [Name another song by](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-another-song-by/985727)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-another-song-by/985727 "2023-06-19T22:10:08Z")
My prediction on this game - wildly successful or crash and burn before a dozen posts. In this thread game you are given an artist and song. What you need to do is from memory (so you are on your honor to not look it u… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #7 - June 2023 - "Reflections"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-7-june-2023-reflections/984627)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-7-june-2023-reflections/984627 "2023-06-19T21:53:39Z")
This is the monthly thread for June 2023. The topic this month is “Reflections”, chosen by @Chefguy and @aurora\_maire Please note: The general rules for the competition are here. One entry per person per month. To… --- ## [Iconic Moments in History, in Just a Few Words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-moments-in-history-in-just-a-few-words/985290)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-moments-in-history-in-just-a-few-words/985290 "2023-06-19T20:57:56Z")
Just read or hear them and a whole story leaps to mind. “Oh, the humanity!” “He is moving like a tremendous machine!” “I am not a crook.” “The die is cast.” --- ## [Buying plans for a home addition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-plans-for-a-home-addition/985517)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-plans-for-a-home-addition/985517 "2023-06-19T20:39:36Z")
One of my neighbors is adding on a detached garage guest house combo, about 1700 sq ft total. I really liked the floor plan and would like to buy his plans. The question I have is this. I would like to get the plans as c… --- ## [Could this have been POTUS traveling on Interstate 95?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-this-have-been-potus-traveling-on-interstate-95/985691)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-this-have-been-potus-traveling-on-interstate-95/985691 "2023-06-19T19:55:33Z")
Yesterday, Friday, about 10:20, I saw an interesting entourage on Interstate 95, about 65 miles NE from the center of Washington D.C. It was about 7 big new shiny black SUVs with red and blue flashing lights. The first o… --- ## [Do actual magical spells from the Middle Ages / Renaissance survive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-actual-magical-spells-from-the-middle-ages-renaissance-survive/985696)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-actual-magical-spells-from-the-middle-ages-renaissance-survive/985696 "2023-06-19T19:28:02Z")
I am informed that various actual, real-life “grimoires”, that is, books of magic, have come down to us from the Middle Ages / the Renaissance. Googling around, I have found that they contain things like magical symbols,… --- ## [WWII Ration Chocolate Bars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-ration-chocolate-bars/984800)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-ration-chocolate-bars/984800 "2023-06-19T19:09:12Z")
I just learned today (from something that popped up on a news site) that the chocolate bars they issued with rations during WWII were – well, awful Okay. But I remember hearing all those stories about GIs making f… --- ## [What happens if Trump absconds to Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-absconds-to-russia/985656)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-absconds-to-russia/985656 "2023-06-19T18:41:11Z")
Not sure this belongs in Factual Questions, so feel free to move it to a more appropriate forum. If Trump were to suddenly feel the heat and decides to lam it to Russia, what would happen? I expect that Putin would ref… --- ## [Time Travel on film, grouped by origin-destination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-on-film-grouped-by-origin-destination/985741)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-on-film-grouped-by-origin-destination/985741 "2023-06-19T17:56:31Z")
“Past”, “present” and “future” are from the timeframe of the film’s release. So when Marty McFly goes from 1989 to 2015, that counts as Present-Future. Includes time travel and suspended animation, etc. Let me know wh… --- ## [Sci Fi Book Recommendations please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-book-recommendations-please/985699)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-book-recommendations-please/985699 "2023-06-19T17:48:18Z")
I’m looking for some light reading to get psyched for Starfield’s release. The game is inspired by the old Traveller RPG which I loved. I’m a huge fan of Ursula LeGuin and Jack Vance and also the Expanse series. I’m ho… --- ## [Hand someone tissues = telling them to stop crying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-someone-tissues-telling-them-to-stop-crying/985700)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2023, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-someone-tissues-telling-them-to-stop-crying/985700 "2023-06-19T17:46:30Z")
At a conference where this sort of thing matters, somebody explained that when a person starts crying, you should never hand them the box of tissues, because that’s really telling them to stop crying. Instead, you should… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=800) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=802)